“I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.” E. B. White

Oh, holy hell! Um. I can’t remember the last time I posted. I seem to have this thing with writing posts in my head. And then leaving them there. Truth is, I’ve been ridiculously busy working on some of my other passions. And I decided not to force myself to write if I wasn’t totally into it. Instead, I’ve been traveling and taking pictures and growing friendships and falling back in love with life. Last year, my love affair with life was growing dim. There seemed to be more questions than answers. And I did. not. like. that.

This year, things have taken a turn for the better. I’ve been more deliberate with my choices. Reality is, there are still more questions than answers. There are a thousand things I’d like to change (okay, maybe just 5; I like hyperbole). But, I’m becoming more comfortable with all the questions and uncertainty. I’m spending more time focusing on all the amazing things in my life. And I’ve gotta say — there are a hell of a lot of good things. Sometimes I have those laugh out loud, I can’t believe I’m so fortunate to have this amazing life moments. And I kind of want to pinch myself. And that’s pretty awesome.

So what have I been up to?

I recently took a bucket list trip — to Queensland, Australia! The trip was amazing, and Queensland is beyond gorgeous. I love, love, loved it!! It is officially home to the cutest wallaby in the history of wallabies and the location of one of my favorite places in the world thus far (Cape Tribulation). I have been slowly going through photos and am so freaking excited to begin sharing those with you and telling stories of my travels.

In addition to awesome travel, I’ve been photographing like a madwoman. So. Much. Fun.

One of my goals this year with photography has been to work toward perfecting my portrait skills and further refining my style. My photography style is likely to be ever evolving, but I’m super happy to report that I’m feeling really confident in the work I produce. It’s becoming very consistent. And I’m so proud of what’s unfolding. I’ve been shooting a lot of senior portraits lately. And, as I suspected, I’ve fallen for that type of portraiture. Teens are amazing to work with. They’re up for just about anything, they love clothes and showcasing their unique styles, they have tons of energy, and they are fun to direct. They also love styled shoots, which are my favorite. I’ve got tons of photog plans for the summer, which have sort of got me counting down the days to summer break. I’m building my portfolio and plan to get my portrait website up and running in June. I’m planning for at least two big styled shoots, which have got me giddy. I’ll give you a hint: one involves a red cloak, and one involves a red evening gown. I’ve got a photography workshop booked in Arizona with one of my fave photographers. And I just found out one of the most amazing portrait photographers in the world (I mean, for reals, her work is unfreakingbelievable) is coming to the U.S. next fall to run a workshop close to Vegas. I am so there. She lives in Australia, and it is just AMAZING that I’ll have a chance to learn from her.

And did I mention I’m planning a summer trip with the most awesome travel buddy in the world?!? Christy and I are traveling to Kauai, one of the Hawaiian islands, to hike the Na Pali coast (and kayak and snorkel and hike some more). Our goal is to find a few amazing adventures, and I’m quite sure we’re going to find them! This is a trip I’ve planned, quite literally, three times. For some reason or another, it has never come through. But this time…this time, it’s happening. We’ve got our hiking permits, a condo arranged and flights booked. I’m giddy with excitement, peeps. Just giddy.

So there’s a peek into my life these days. Stay tuned for updates — mostly travel pictures from Australia. You will just die when you see them. It’s pristine. It’s gorgeous and warm and sun-filled yet cloudy. It’s got big, wide beaches and more wildlife than I imagined. It’s peaceful. It’s lovely. And I already look forward to returning one day.

Until we catch up next time, I hope you’re out living life, soaking in those moments of wonder and taking notice of the good.

Heather Rae

Photographer. Traveler. Storyteller. On the adventure of a lifetime. I'm a fan of running in mud, long conversations in little cafes, climbing mountains, watching waves. What's In Search of Squid? Quite simply, my quest to have it all.

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